Belleville News-Democrat

Federal law enforcement officials reported to Belleville Police Chief Bill Clay that a “credible” threat was made against Mayor Mark Eckert. Officers have been assigned to guard Eckert at City Hall and to remain in his neighborhood during the evening.

Metro East schools are trying to get ahead of any surge in coronavirus cases following winter break by keeping students home a little longer.

As Vaccines began arriving at Illinois nursing homes and other long-term care facilities Monday. Metro East leaders said the facilities have been addressing skepticism among some residents and staff as part of the vaccination rollout.

Gov. J.B. Pritzker announced new statewide restrictions on retailers as cases, deaths and hospitalizations from COVID-19 surge uncontrollably.

A new study in Illinois shows that, while in-person learning in schools might lead to the spread of coronavirus cases, hybrid learning plans might not be worse for community spread than full remote learning.

Incumbent Republican U.S. Rep. Mike Bost, R-Murphysboro, has won his bid for re-election in Illinois’ 12th Congressional District.

Voters in Cahokia, Alorton and Centreville on Tuesday approved a proposal to merge their towns to create a new city called “Cahokia Heights,” according to unofficial returns.

After only 2½ weeks, Illinois is reinstituting COVID-19 restrictions on bars and restaurants in the Metro East starting Wednesday. Bars and restaurants are again barred from serving guests indoors, and they will have to cut service at 11 p.m. each night. The establishments also must require reservations and space tables at least six feet apart. Gatherings are limited to the lesser of 25 people or 25% of a room’s overall capacity.

The Metro East Sanitary District has ended a feral cat program, aimed to save cats from being euthanized. They hunt for levee-damaging rodents. The Metro East Humane Society says political power moves may have led to cat neglect and possible death.